News

Chicago's beloved punk band The Arrivals are back. Payload, the band's first new album in nearly 16 years since their celebrated 2010 album Volatile Molotov, is out now via Recess Records. The band has shared the video for new track "January 7th". Set to protest photography by Dave Decker, the visuals document ICE demonstrations in Broadview, Illinois and Minneapolis, Minnesota — communities that took to the streets in defiance of federal immigration enforcement sweeps.

On the track, singer/guitarist David Merriman says:

"I’ve been increasingly enamored with the songwriting styles of folks like Shel Silverstein and Dan Reeder, who are able to convey big ideas with simple, carefully-chosen turns of phrase. 'January 7th' is an attempt to say exactly what I want to say, something I think people should hear, in a way that lifts and motivates instead of indulging in the catharsis of complaining. I think people need to understand that we all have more in common with each other than not. It’s about focusing our anger, fear and frustration upward toward our common enemy, the ruling class, and not each other. I was legitimately pissed that the first time in my life I see people attempting to take the Capitol, it’s these authoritarian, cultist shitkickers trying to install a fascist bag of turds. That should have been a revolution for the people, not one person. The song takes it from there pretty plainly. I think the last line says it all: 'Together against all their power we’re stronger. We can’t live under their rule any longer.”

The Arrivals have also been announced for Recess Romp (August 13–16, San Pedro, CA), joining Dillinger Four, Off With Their Heads, Toys That Kill, Alice Bag, and more. Additional dates will be announced soon.

Payload was recorded at Chicago’s legendary Electrical Audio with Joe Gac (Meat Wave), capturing the raw power and immediacy of the band’s live sound.